The City of Ottawa is one of the best cities to live in the world. It is a beautiful, safe, livable place that is full of opportunities.Looking back 12 years ago, at that time, I believed we had a city struggling with its identity. Shifting from multiple regions to one amalgamated City – it was trying to search for its new personality but at the same time trying to fit everyone into one mold.

Now, all these years later, I am happy to say we accepted our community differences, thrived on them, and began building the modern city we wanted, while never losing the title of being Canada’s Capital City. This is not the same Ottawa as 12 years ago – which is a good thing. With more than 1 million residents living here, we are eager for honest discussions on our future. Residents in Ottawa are proud and want a modern city they can be equally proud of.

Looking back, I remember how ill-equipped we were as a City to respond to housing needs in Sandy Hill. Housing market pressures for students led to us finding real concrete solutions: creating nine zoning reports in Sandy Hill, the creation of the Town and Gown initiative and a University of Ottawa Campus Masterplan.This is proof we can do great things when we see a problem and if we work collaboratively to solve it.Those who call Lowertown, Sandy Hill and Vanier home often have strong ties to our city’s history.This community’s strength and passion are unlike any other. Truly. From the Adàwe bridge, park renewals, main street investments, social services for families in need – these are the initiatives that shaped our community. The systemic failures in supporting those without a home and residents who suffer from addictions are more severe than ever. Years of uncoordinated leadership and attention have led to significant City challenges faced all in one community. We need to invest in supportive housing so everyone on the street can have a key to a unit with a lease. We have made little progress here; it is still a long road. This challenge will continue until we can make the proper investments needed. When Ottawa was recently faced with challenges: destructive tornadoes, floods and City-wide power outages – the city worked together to help each other, to clean up, pick up and start again. This mindset continues to be our strength, willingness to help a neighbour, offer a hand and step up when called. I am proud of how our communities and our city responds.

Twelve years ago, we were struggling to find our footing for many big City needs. I believe the fundamentals are in place on zoning, transit, infrastructure, recreation and culture spaces, affordable housing and environmental protection. Only now, it will require strong leaders and collaboration with all elected officials in Ottawa from all levels of government to continue to build the modern Ottawa we strive to be.